Engineer I, Research Operations (1st shift)

Your Impact at LILA

What You'll Be Building

• Execute high-throughput automated and manual laboratory workflows using integrated workcells and liquid-handling platforms, such as Hamilton, Lynx, Echo, or similar systems.
• Prepare, organize, and verify reagents, samples, labware, and consumables required for workflow execution.
• Follow standard operating procedures, work instructions, and safety requirements to support accurate, reproducible, and timely results.
• Monitor workflows in real time, identify equipment or process issues, perform first-line troubleshooting and recovery, and escalate complex issues when necessary.
• Perform routine equipment checks, cleaning, maintenance, and readiness activities to support reliable operation of automated systems.
• Review quality-control outputs and accurately record experimental, equipment, and process data to maintain data integrity and sample traceability.
• Provide clear end-of-shift handoffs and partner with scientists, automation engineers, and operational teams to communicate workflow status, open issues, and follow-up actions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and cross-training efforts that strengthen workflow efficiency, robustness, scalability, and operational coverage.

What You'll Need to Succeed

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related scientific or engineering field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant laboratory experience.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant Co-Op and industry laboratory experience.
• Hands-on laboratory experience performing core techniques, including pipetting, reagent preparation, and aseptic technique, within Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Protein Science, or a related field.
• Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to follow standard operating procedures and technical instructions while maintaining accurate, complete, and traceable documentation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to recognize unexpected results or workflow behavior, perform initial troubleshooting, and escalate issues appropriately.
• Demonstrated ability to organize work, manage multiple priorities, and execute reliably in a fast-paced, high-throughput laboratory environment.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to provide clear status updates and work effectively across teams.
• Ability to work on-site during the scheduled first-shift from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Bonus Points For

• Experience operating automated liquid handlers or integrated laboratory workcells, such as Hamilton, Lynx, Echo, or similar platforms.
• Experience working in a high-throughput or production-oriented laboratory environment with an emphasis on quality, efficiency, scalability, and operational continuity.
• Experience reviewing and interpreting quality-control data generated by automated laboratory workflows.
• Familiarity with laboratory information management, sample-tracking, or workflow-scheduling systems.
• Experience troubleshooting laboratory automation, performing routine equipment maintenance, or contributing to process improvements.
• Experience with protein purification or characterization techniques, such as bead-based purification, CE-SDS, colorimetric assays, or biolayer interferometry.
• Hands-on experience with cell culture, DNA or RNA workflows, or lipid nanoparticle formulation and handling.